A CHARD woman is taking part in an epic trek through Cambodia to spread her dad’s ashes and raise money to fight the disease that killed him.

Yvonne van Balen has already passed the £1,000 mark for her great fundraiser, but is hoping to hit the £2,000 milestone before November.

She said: “My dearest father died last year of cancer. He was a strong man until the end, and one of his wishes was to scatter his ashes in places he always wanted to visit.

“As the world traveller himself, one of the places is Jaipur, in India, which my wonderful daughter is fulfilling for him, and the other one is Cambodia.

“I didn’t just want to visit this beautiful country without doing something for the wonderful organisations who are researching a cure for cancer, or the wonderful support they provide for the terminally ill.”

Money raised by Yvonne’s 10 day challenge will go to Cancer Research UK.

She described her dad, John, as a man who loved travelling, and who had published books in which he tried to solve the world’s problems.

She added: “He was a very intellectual man.”

John died shortly after his diagnoses.

She added: “Not only am I doing this for my father, but also for myself, as I have left behind quite a few turbulent years.

“Now with the support of my Slimming World team leader Jenny, my dearest friends and loving family, I have turned my lifestyle around.

“I feel on top of the world again, and ready to embark on this amazing, physical and mentally challenge.”

Yvonne has been working on her training through the year and holding fundraising events to increase her total.

Yvonne said: “I do hope you will be able to sponsor me, with however small or large amount you feel comfortable with, everything is very much appreciated.

“Thank you to all the people who have supported me so far.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/yvonne-vanbalencambodiachallenge2018.